BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei: Glittering jewels and the echoes of a 17-gun salute marked the climax of wedding celebrations for the daughter of one of the world’s wealthiest men, the Sultan of Brunei.
Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah, 32, and Pengiran Haji Muhammad Ruzaini, 29, were presented to the royal court in a lavish traditional ceremony at the sultan’s 1,700-room palace yesterday.
Although the couple were legally wed on Thursday after signing the marriage contract, yesterday’s event marks the height of more than a week of festivities in the tiny oil-rich Muslim sultanate on Borneo island.
The bride, dressed in a crystal-beaded beige and silver gown, was ushered into the throne room by sixteen royal guards carrying ceremonial spears and shields.
She was seated at the head of the hall in front of 3,000 guests, including Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Philippines President Benigno Aquino and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Visibly nervous, the groom, wearing beige and gold brocade to complement his wife’s ensemble, was escorted to the bridal dias where the sultan took Ruzaini’s hand and placed it on the bride’s forehead — a symbolic blessing and gesture of affection in Malay culture. Two pots of crystal flowers, with eggs tied on to the stalks, were placed next to the bride and groom on the dias to represent the hope of a fertile marriage.
The brief 20-minute ceremony concluded with the state religious leader reading a prayer for the newlyweds asking for God’s blessing of the union.
A state banquet was be held in the evening, where Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and other foreign dignitaries are expected to attend.
Queen Elizabeth II also sent a message to the Brunei royal family — which has ruled the sultanate for 600 years — congratulating the newlyweds and wishing them “a happy wedding day and many blessed years together.”
Brunei’s sultan celebrates daughter’s wedding
Brunei’s sultan celebrates daughter’s wedding
Teyana Taylor flaunts Ashi Studio gown
DUBAI: US singer-songwriter and actress Teyana Taylor attended the 41st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Sunday in a gown by Saudi Arabia couturier Mohammed Ashi.
The gown is from the designer’s Paris-based label Ashi Studio, specifically its Spring/Summer 2026 couture collection.
The all-white look featured a corseted bodice, frayed fabric and slick material offering an experimental wet look to the gown.
Taylor has been on something of a fashion run lately, while promoting Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another.”
Her performance has been widely praised, earning her the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress, as well as nominations from SAG-AFTRA, BAFTA and the Academy Awards.
Meanwhile, Paramount confirmed last week that “Get Lite,” Taylor’s feature directorial debut, will arrive in cinemas next spring. The film is scheduled for wide theatrical release on April 9, 2027.
Set in New York, the story centers on a gifted yet protected dance student whose world expands when he unexpectedly discovers community, connection and purpose within the city’s subway system.
US actor Storm Reid is set to lead the cast and also serve as a producer on the project, alongside US writer Kenya Barris and actor and filmmaker Anni Weisband. Taylor also registers as an executive producer.
The film “Get Lite” marks Taylor’s first feature as a director. While she is best known for her work as a performer, Taylor has previously directed several music videos, including her own projects “Gonna Love Me” and “Rose in Harlem.”
Those works offered early insight into her visual sensibility and interest in storytelling driven by music and movement, paving the way for her transition into long-form narrative filmmaking.
Beyond film, Taylor has also reached a milestone in music, securing her first Grammy nomination in 2026 for her latest album “Escape Room.”
Ashi’s creations have been worn by celebrities and stars including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Penelope Cruz, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, and Queen Rania of Jordan.
Ashi became the first couturier from the Gulf region to join the Federation de la Haute Couture in Paris as a guest member in 2023. He was also the first Gulf designer included in the BoF 500 list, the Business of Fashion’s index of people shaping the fashion industry in 2023.
